J&K Forest Dept to plant 1.5 crore saplings by March end

The Forest Department in Jammu and Kashmir has unveiled an ambitious plan to plant 1.5 crore saplings by the end of next month. The initiative aims to improve the region’s green cover and mitigate climate change. In a move to support local farmers and expand tree cover outside designated forest areas, the Social Forestry Department distributed male poplar clones. 

Addressing concerns over increased forest fires recently, the Principal Chief Conservator of



Forests (PCCF), S.K. Gupta attributed it to a prolonged dry spell. He said swift action by forest officials had prevented significant damage. While underlining that community involvement is crucial to protect and expand forests, the PCCF urged residents to participate in the plantation drives. The department is also taking steps to strengthen its workforce by referring vacancies to the Service Selection Recruitment Board for recruitment.